Osmose Tonle Sap Eco-Tours

Osmose offers one of the most rewarding ways to see the Tonle Sap lake from Siem Reap. It is an organisation that combines the protection of the bird colonies at Prek Toal with social and economic support for the communities who live on the lake. Its eco-tours, along with crafts made by local people, generate income that helps to fund environmental education, schooling and health support in the floating villages.

There are several ways to join. The half-day tour runs from 6:30am to 1pm, with a hotel pick-up and a boat ride to the village that passes crocodile farms, fish farms and floating gardens. It includes a visit to an environmental education class, a demonstration of water-hyacinth weaving and lunch. The full-day tour leaves at 8am and travels through the countryside to the port at Meichrey, then continues by paddle canoe through the village, with a view from the Environmental Research Station and lunch on the community platforms before returning in the afternoon.

For a deeper experience, the two-day, one-night tour includes a weaving class, a Khmer cooking class on the lake, a sunset dinner and a homestay, followed by a morning paddle around the village. Bird lovers should consider A Ranger's Life, which runs from September to March and adds an early morning conservation boat cruise through the bird sanctuary. Species mentioned by Osmose include the greater adjutant, the anhinga or snake bird, the black-necked stork, the spot-billed pelican and the black-headed ibis. December to March, in the dry season, is the best time for birdwatching, when water birds nest along the lake banks.

All tours are led by certified English-speaking guides, and a French-speaking guide can be arranged for a supplement. Tailor-made trips are available for groups, schools and companies. Booking requires a deposit, with the balance due a week before the tour, and full travel insurance is required. Children under five travel free.

Osmose's office is in Wat Damnak, and bookings can be made through its website, by email or by phone. The tours suit families, nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to understand life on the Tonle Sap beyond a short boat trip. Bring sun protection, a hat and binoculars if you have them.